Word Origin & History

take 1654, "that which is taken in payment," from take (v.). Sense of "money taken in" by a single performance, etc., is from 1931. Movie-making sense is recorded from 1927. Criminal sense of "money acquired by theft" is from 1888. The verb sense of "to cheat, defraud" is from 1920. On the take "amenable to bribery" is from 1930.

Example Sentences for taking down

She was standing before the dressing-table, taking down her hair.

He danced for joy, and taking down the robe carried it to his neighbors.

This old coat was in a doorway, where I suppose I threw it when I was taking down the basket.

"I shall not disturb you, Lawless," said I, taking down a book.

"These are of the doors of the corridors," the man said, taking down one bunch.

The superintendent had risen and was taking down his overcoat.

But what was the use of taking down the boards in front of the window?

“I will,” said Mrs. Van, hurrying to the cabinet and taking down the bottle.

Taking down his hat, Cyrus turned away from her, and descended the steps.

But the boys only grinned at this, and resumed their work of taking down the tents.